The Best Power Breakfasts in Dallas

Flying FishFor 45 years, Metro Diner in Preston Center was the morning spot for the elite to eat and make deals. When Metro closed two years ago, Shannon Wynne, a regular who also happens to own the Flying Fish a few doors down, decided to fill the niche by opening his restaurant for breakfast. It was a smart move. The early-bird diners feasting on grits and gumbo and egg white omelets include boldfaced business names like commercial real estate broker Michael Ablon of Pegasus Ablon, attorney and philanthropist Lisa Blue, NCH Corporation’s co-president and co-CEO Walter Levy and his wife Karen, and Dexter & Co. founder Bill Davis.Lucky’s CafeMany folks go on weekends to get advice from Pam Gerber, executive director of the Entrepreneurs for North Texas and unofficial conduit for the local nonprofit business.

The Original Pancake HouseThere may be more than 100 franchises of the Original Pancake House, but it’s the one on Northwest Highway on the border of Preston Hollow that attracts power brokers to pancakes. Keep your eyes open for Mavs owner Mark Cuban. 4343 W. Northwest Hwy. 214-351-2012.

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle CreekVisiting dignitaries feast with clients over plates of Marion Cunningham’s famous waffles. Local moguls include Erle Nye, chairman emeritus of TXU, and Alan White, chairman and CEO of PlainsCapital Bank. They are powerful enough to order the chilaquiles, which aren’t on the menu.